The average human body is comprised of 60 percent water. To maintain that the average person is being told to consume 64 ounces of H2O each and every day.

However, this 8-cup water regimen is now being challenged as a health-myth. There’s no science behind this challenge, but some believe that those who push drinking so much water are all washed up. They believe that people take partial facts and blindly follow them as the scientific gospel. In this case, they claim, after the community hears they have to drink 8 glasses of water, they believe they’ll be walking around dehydrated if they don’t. This puzzles others who understand that half the quantity they consume is already in prepared foods–not in a water bottle. Yet, no one seems to ever factor that in.

Granted, water is a good, healthy option when choosing what to drink, but there’s no need to force it in such large quantities. In truth, most people fall short of that goal. After The PENNANT did a poll around Elkhart High School, the results showed that the average amount of water students believe humans should consume is between 4-8 cups a day. However, when questioned about the number of cups of water each respondent drinks a day, the responses averaged between 2-4 cups–half the recommended amount.  Leilah Topolski , a sophomore at Elkhart High School, adds, “But, for people like me who do not like the taste of plain water, you can drink milk or juice because they are mostly water.” This fact that water can be consumed in other products eludes many people. The majority of students at Elkhart High School drink soda and juices in addition to water as their daily beverages. Thus, they likely do get their daily quota in without realizing it.

However, water does help cleanse the body in ways that sugary drinks cannot. For instance, drinking a healthy amount of water can help a person maintain a healthy heart and kidneys. By drinking more water, people will urinate more, flushing out toxins and other non-healthy ingredients. In addition, they’ll feel less hungry or even lose weight–and even probably experience more comfortable digestion. But, if a person wants to sleep soundly through the night, avoid drinking water two hours before falling asleep to avoid getting up to use the restroom!

Anyone who is concerned as to whether he or she is consuming enough water, there is a simpler way to tell. Signs of dehydration are often headaches, tiredness, weakness, dry-mouth, and loss of appetite. To reduce dehydration, try adding some water into the diet. Don’t just drink sports drinks, such as Gatorade, which are actually designed for athletes who need to replenish electrolytes.

Rehydrating, in general, usually takes about two hours for the body to recognize after drinking a significant amount of water. Water is without a doubt the best choice when it comes to rehydrating. However, stop counting the cups consumed. Just listen to logic.